Activist Toolkit
Planned Parenthood of East Central Michigan works to advocate for public policies which guarantee privacy and ensure access to comprehensive health care and family planning services.
Below you will information on the issues we work on every day, and how you can join us in our advocacy efforts. Soon, you will find further activist tools on our website such as letter-writing and lobbying tips.
The Issues
Contraceptive Equity
Birth control is basic health care used by 85% of women at some point in their lives. But insurance companies are not required to cover birth control just as they would any other prescription drug. Have you checked your coverage lately? For more information on this issue, click here.
Access to Family Planning
Access to contraceptives is the best tool we have available to us in preventing unintended pregnancies and reducing the need for an abortion. Yet, pharmacists across the country have refused to fill prescriptions for contraceptives such as the back-up birth control method, emergency contraception. If you want to learn more about this issue, or to find out what pharmacists will fill your pills, click here. Click on the left to find out what local pharmacies you can count on for EC!
Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception (EC) is the best way to prevent unintended pregnancy in cases of rape, incest or contraceptive failure. Yet, anti-choice forces continue to misinform women of how this birth-control method works. Here are some facts on EC:
- Emergency contraception is a safe, effective back-up birth control method that can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex, or contraceptive failure. The most common form of EC is emergency contraceptive pills, which contain concentrated dosages of the same hormones found in daily birth control pills.
- Also called the "morning after pill," EC can reduce the risk of pregnancy if taken up to five days after unprotected sex; however, the sooner it is taken, the better.
- EC works by delaying or inhibiting ovulation or fertilization; it should NOT be confused with RU-486. EC helps prevent pregnancy; RU-486 terminates pregnancy.
- EC is available at any Planned Parenthood of East Central Michigan health center. Contact us at 800-230-PLAN for more information.
Learn what you can do to raise awareness of this back-up birth control method by clicking here.
Visit Planned Parenthood Affiliates of Michigan, for more information on current state issues.
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